Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

So says an article published in The Times.

It would seem that onshore wind farm developers get paid even when they don't generate electricity!

The article states that developers have received £19m NOT to generate 215 gigawatt hours (GWh) over the past eight months (enough to supply 50,000 houses for a year). This is equivalent to three 30-megawatt wind farms standing idle. Last year the farms were paid not to generate 103 GWh.

National Grid makes the payments in return for wind farms not generating electricity, mostly when it is very windy and there is low demand. Just one weekend during August saw £3.9m paid for wind farms not to generate.

Of course, we all know who ultimately pays for this farce - we do.

Please note that, as a member of the WC western area planning committee, I would consider any planning applications for wind farms with an open mind.